About the Chamber
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What is the Chamber of Commerce?
What does a Chamber do?
Functions of the Macon County Chamber.
Meetings
History
Staff
What is the Chamber of Commerce?
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer organization for businesses and professional people dedicated to promoting the civic and economic vitality of our community.
The Chamber is funded by membership dues, tax dollars, and Chamber programs. We are not affiliated with any local government nor accountable to any other organization. The Chamber works for a healthy economic climate of good jobs, efficient government, and capital creation.
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce's strength lies in the number and diversity of our membership. Because the Chamber collectively embodies the vast expertise of many businesses, it has the knowledge and insight to identify issues of importance to the business community. The Chamber accomplishes what one business or professional cannot do alone.
What does a Chamber do?
A Chamber of Commerce represents the interest of its membership with spirit and cooperation in helping to set a philosophy and plan for the economic development of the community.
The programs of the Chamber address those community factors which affect economic development, local government, transportation, education, cultural events and others.
The Chamber of Commerce represents the business and professional interests before elected bodies. Ordinances, legislation and regulations affecting the business and economic climate are addressed by the Chamber at the local, state and national level.
The Chamber is also an organization of opportunity. Through networking events, the Chamber brings its membership together and creates opportunities for personal interaction which develop into business relationships.
Functions of the Macon County Chamber
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce is a chartered legal entity formed to promote economic development in the county. The purpose of the Chamber, according to its by-laws, is "to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the Lafayette and Red Boiling Springs areas so that its citizens and all areas of the business community shall prosper." All necessary means of promotion are utilized by the Chamber, and particular attention is paid to the economic, civil, commercial, cultural, commercial, industrial and educational interests in the area. The Chamber receives its funding through the membership of a dedicated business community. In addition, a percentage of the Chamber's funds come from the City of Lafayette and from Macon County. Because a percentage of funds comes from tax dollars, the Board of Directors has a strong commitment to the community.
The Chamber works with Macon County, Lafayette and Red Boiling Springs in prospecting industrial development. Because of efforts by the Chamber and the three government entities, several new businesses have found a home in Macon County in the last few years.
Tourism information is also available through the Chamber office. This includes brochures, hotel information, maps and area events calendars.
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce welcomes inquiries from businesses and industries who are looking for a new home. The Chamber also welcomes inquiries from local residents and out-of-town visitors concerning visiting and exploring Macon County, Tennessee. Please call the Chamber any time we may be of assistance.
Meetings
The Chamber of Commerce Membership Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m.
The Board of Directors Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month.
History
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce was chartered in March 1963. The Chamber became inactive for several years and was reorganized on November 11, 1980. The Chamber of Commerce office was located in Lafayette's Key Park in a log home built in 1842, the year of Macon County's birth.
During 2009, the Chamber moved to the new Leon & Marie Cothron Macon County
Welcome Center on TN52.
Staff
The staff of the Chamber of Commerce is the most visible part of the Chamber of Commerce. These are the people who answer the phone, gather information, greet visitors, attend ribbon cuttings and a thousand other things to keep your Chamber of Commerce working every day!
Kathy Huber
Assistant Secretary